The Weed District in the County implements an effective noxious weed management program for the protection of open space, natural and agricultural resources of the County.

The Weed Sprayer is responsible for weed control through the proper application of pesticides in accordance with Federal, state and county laws. Duties include noxious weed identification, safely handling and properly mixing chemicals, spraying, and performing light maintenance and calibration of weed spraying equipment.

These duties are the essential functions and are not all-inclusive of all duties that the incumbent performs.

• Receive and review work assignments and coordinate with other weed sprayers and the supervisor to determine the time, equipment, and personnel necessary to complete weed spraying and weed control projects.

• Identify noxious and undesirable vegetation in assigned areas to determine what type of chemicals or equipment is necessary to remove or control them. This may also include assisting the public and other agencies with weed identification and advice on removal strategies.

• Mix and apply pesticides and herbicides in accordance with work orders and record or log all sprayed areas in accordance with department policies. Review chemical labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for each product before application. Calculate mix ratios and compute how much spray is necessary for a given area.

• Perform spraying operations using broad jet, wide boom and hand-line systems according to department policies and procedures and applicable laws.

• Operate vehicles and application delivery systems including a spray truck, four wheelers, four wheel drives, one ton trucks and other weed control equipment. Adhere to all department safety standards including observing weather conditions, traffic, water and animals that may affect spraying operations.

• Calibrate and perform light maintenance duties of all spray equipment according to established procedures and manufacturer specifications. Perform minor semi-skilled maintenance and repairs on spraying equipment, mowers and lawn maintenance equipment, department vehicles, and safety equipment.

• Provide information, rentals, materials and technical assistance to support the public in effective noxious weed management.

• Properly dispose of empty containers, materials and maintain the appearance and cleanliness of the facility.

• Operate specialized equipment and hand tools used in cutting, gathering, and removing noxious weeds including weed whackers, mowers and related county equipment.

• Ensure that daily pesticide applicator records are complete and kept current, including mapping of pesticide applications and wee infestations.

• Compile and submit activity reports, equipment logs, inspection reports, and other records to provide accurate, complete, and timely information.

• Perform other duties as assigned including but not limited to managing special projects, attending meetings and conferences, providing backup for other staff, participating in training, etc.

The demands and conditions described here are representative of those the employee must meet to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Frequently required to stand, sit, write, read and use hands to handle or feel objects.

• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Infrequently, the employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

• Frequently the employee is required to wear a breathing apparatus when working with toxic chemicals.

• Frequently works near moving or mechanical parts; with fumes or airborne particles; with toxic or caustic chemicals in outdoor weather conditions and with vibration. The employee occasionally works in extremely hot outdoor conditions with risk of electrical shock.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and the employee may be exposed to hazardous fumes or products.

This position does not supervise other county employees.

This job requires knowledge of basic math in order to make computations; knowledge of the weeds and crops grown in Montana and the appropriate herbicides that manage undesired vegetation; knowledge of 2 and 4 wheel drive vehicles used for delivery of chemicals; and knowledge of small engines and how to operate and maintain them.

This job requires skill in the calibration and safe operation of application and spraying equipment; driving a standard/manual transmission; the operation of a computer; map reading; and customer service.

This job requires the ability to mix the correct herbicide and determine proper conditions for application of the herbicides; to monitor and maintain safety protocols; to work and communicate effectively in person and via phone or two-way radio; to read, understand and follow instructions and MSDS sheets and labels; and to read and understand maps. This job also requires the ability to recognize and identify noxious and undesirable vegetation and distinguish between agricultural crops; able to operate hand power tools, chainsaws, four wheelers and other related equipment.

This job requires education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED. Must be a minimum of 18 years of age at the time of employment and possess a valid Montana driver’s license with a good driving record.

New employees must attend training sessions and pass the Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator License exam in Weed Right-of-Way category within 3 months of start date. The County will provide and pay for the necessary training and testing.